South Jersey Congressional Candidate Denounced By Own Party

Party leaders have distanced themselves from controversial comments made by the party’s Second Congressional District candidate, and now the head of the Democratic Party in Atlantic County is calling on local leaders to do the same.

Atlantic County Democratic Chairman Michael Suleiman is calling on the Atlantic County Republicans, to denounce candidate Seth Grossman for comments he made that “diversity is a bunch of crap.”

“You would think that the Atlantic County Republicans learned their lesson after Freeholder John Carman, but unfortunately they never cease to amaze me,” Suleiman said. “While some prominent Republicans have denounced Mr. Grossman's stupid comments, there's radio silence from the Republicans on the Freeholder Board. Are they more concerned with winning than doing the right thing?”

Grossman made the comments while seeking the support of the Salem County Republicans during the primary race. He is running against Democrat Jeff Van Drew in the Nov. 6 general elections for the seat soon to be vacated by incumbent Republican Frank LoBiondo.

He said that the Constitution says everyone should be treated equally under the law, but that diversity has become an excuse used by Democrats, Communists and Socialists to say that we're not all created equally.
He said the end result is that less qualified people have earned positions ahead of people who are more deserving.

In his comments, Grossman specifically noted Kim Guadagno’s candidacy in last year’s election for New Jersey governor. Guadagno, who was the Lt. Gov. at the time, lost to Democrat Phil Murphy. Grossman indicated Guadagno earned the nod because she is a woman, ahead of Jack Ciattarelli, who Grossman said is more qualified.

“This man does not represent me or the Republican Party I know,” Guadagno responded via Twitter. “Where has THAT party gone? How long before it speaks out.”

Republican State Committee Chairman Doug Steinhardt echoed those comments.

“Seth, his statements do not speak for the state party. We have a much different perspective on what we’re trying to accomplish here,” Steinhardt told the New Jersey Globe. “I said from day one that we’re looking to pitch a big tent. I recognize that the face of New Jersey is changing, and the party is going to change with it, so there’s no room under that tent for people that don’t share those types of views.”

Now, Suleiman is calling on incumbent Republican Freeholders Frank Formica, Maureen Kern and James Bertino to join their own party members who have denounced Grossman, who was victorious in June’s primary despite not winning the support of any county Republican parties. Formica, Kern and Bertino are up for re-election this year.

“While the Chairman of the Republican State Committee and former Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno have both denounced Grossman, Formica, Kern, and Bertino have failed to do so,” Suleiman said. “Even after Grossman's vile comments, the Atlantic County Republicans posted on social media that they are 'strong and unified behind' their ticket.”

The Atlantic County Republicans haven’t made any comments about the issue publicly. A representative from the Atlantic County Republican Party wasn’t immediately available for comment Friday morning.

Video of Grossman’s comments can be seen below.

Image via YouTube